Page 60 of Rogue of the Greenwood
“My goodness, what could it be? What secret have you uncovered?”
He peered at her. For a moment she feared she’d been too bold to ask. She should not have let her curiosity carry her away; she should have played the part of ignorant, frightened miss a bit better.
However, he merely gave a smug smile and continued. “Rest assured, Miss Maidland, you are quite safe. I am more cunning than the forest rogues.”
“Forest rogues?”
“Indeed, a whole ragged band of them have set up in Sherwood. You see now why we nearly despaired when you and your cousin disappeared for so long yesterday.”
“Gracious! I had no idea things were so dire. A whole band of criminals so close by? How disturbing!”
“Quite so, but not for much longer. Even now, I am preparing to rid us of their scourge.”
“You will? But how?”
“I have found them! Oh yes, they have been under my very nose. A groom from my own stable intercepted a note. One of the laborers working for me has secretly been in contact with the hoodlums.”
“No! And he… this note led you to the band? You have captured them?”
“Not yet, but soon, my dear. This correspondence informed us of plans for a robbery. Oh yes! It is shocking, to be sure. This very day, the outlaws plan to invade our town, posing as simple beggars seeking aid from our generous vicar. They expect to win his trust, overwhelm him, then make off with the church coffer.”
“What? They plan to steal from thechurch?”
“It must pain you to hear of such things! But indeed, we will be ready for them. I will have the sheriff set men secretly all about the church, waiting to apprehend these scoundrels.”
“Such violence… and in thechurch! How could they… er, you are quite certain this is what the criminals have planned?”
“Wipe those worry lines from your pretty face. While I admit our information is sparse, it is enough. I am wise, you see, and I gave no clue that his note had been discovered. These outlaws have no idea we willbe waiting for them with more than a dozen men.”
“You will catch them unawares!”
“Indeed I shall.” He laughed, but there was no mirth to the sound, only cruelty. “The people say Robin Hood has returned, that he is their champion. Well, I will show them who their Robin Hood really is; a thief, an outlaw, guilty of abducting that poor woman and robbing the church. He ought to be hung for such crimes! I will find him, and everyone will see how rogues are treated in Nottingham.”
“Oh my…”
“I’m sorry, this talk has frightened you.”
“I am worried for your safety, sir. Perhaps you should not consider your action, it might be too dangerous.”
“Ah, but how sweet. You are worried for me! There is no need for it, of course, though I cannot say I am not touched by your sentiment. Truly, Miss Maidland, I had no idea your regard for me was quite so strong.”
“Indeed, I have quite a fright for your well-being, sir. I hope you do not find my feelings to be… too bold.”
“Ah, but you may have heard, Miss Maidland, that I quite like boldness in a woman.”
His smile sizzled with intent and an oily smile betrayed underlying depravity. Heavens, but she had played her role too well! Any moment now actual force might be required to fend the man off. His hands were on her shoulders and it was clear what he planned to do next.
Thank goodness for Uncle Prinley! He knocked at the tightly closed door and then swung it open. Mr. Gisborn grumbled under his breath and dropped his hands from her body, but he made no effort to moveaway from her. It would be perfectly clear to Uncle Prinley what had been going on.
If she had hoped for shock or chastisement from her uncle, she was disappointed. He merely cleared his throat and stammered as if he were the encroaching guest rather than the owner of the house.
“Er, pardon my interruption, Gisborn, Marianne…”
Mr. Gisborn snarled. “What is it, St. John?”
“I was told you had come a bit early. I was expecting you in an hour.”
“We are to be ready to take action in one hour,” Mr. Gisborn said, lechery dripping like syrup from his words. “I thought I would come ahead and perhaps take my own action a bit early.”
